As a member of Advarra’s client experience team, Brian Boggs plays a pivotal role in helping research clients navigate complex regulatory and operational challenges. From supporting study startups to facilitating international collaborations, Brian’s work bridges communication between clients and internal teams to ensure a smooth, informed experience.
In this conversation, Brian shares how his passion for helping others connects to Advarra’s mission, how his team goes above and beyond to support clients, and what excites him most about the next generation of Advarra’s software platform, CIRBI.
What inspired your personal connection to research and clinical trials?
I’ve always been proud to work for an organization that makes a positive impact on the world. While I don’t have a direct background in research, I’ve seen firsthand how our work supports discoveries that improve lives. That connection became very real during COVID. My wife works at a research institution in Seattle, and she reached out when her team needed IRB support for vaccine studies. I helped connect them with Advarra, and from there, I saw how critical our role was in advancing that research. Supporting clients as they adapted to remote consenting and virtual study conduct made me feel like I was contributing, at least in some small way, to something profoundly meaningful.
What motivated you to join Advarra and the client experience team?
I joined shortly after Advarra’s acquisition of Quorum Review IRB, when our team was created to help with the transition. Over time, we’ve evolved into a true support network for clients and internal teams. We step in when studies are complex, when workloads spike, or when clients need quick answers to regulatory questions. I love that no two days are the same. One day I might be helping a client navigate international research in Nigeria. And the next day, I’m connecting them to our IRB and IBC experts through Ask Advarra so they can get advice on research compliance issues. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that not only provides guidance but also builds trust and confidence with every interaction.
How does your team go above and beyond to support clients?
I think it comes down to two things: speed and empathy. Clients often have urgent questions that directly impact participants, sometimes with study visits scheduled for the very next day. Responding quickly and clearly helps them keep their research moving safely and efficiently. But just as important is the human connection. We always lead with kindness and grace, understanding that our clients are under pressure too. Having a consistent point of contact, someone they know and trust, sets us apart from competitors who rely on call-center models. That personal rapport helps us turn customers into long-term partners, not just transactions.
What excites you most about Advarra’s next-generation CIRBI platform?
I’m really looking forward to the modernized, streamlined experience. The new CIRBI is sleek, intuitive, and designed to simplify complex tasks. It’s built with the people behind the research in mind. During live demos, I’ve already seen how features like IRB Ready, which automatically carries over 85% of data for repeat submissions, save clients significant time. That time goes right back to focusing on their participants and their science. The new CIRBI’s faster, cleaner, and simply more welcoming to use. On a broader level, I’m also excited about how technology like AI and new process improvements can help clients tighten up protocols and think creatively about research. It’s all about making the experience smoother for clients, sites, and the most important stakeholders of all: participants.
